Roman Abramovich Prepares A New Role For Russian Manager At Chelsea

Hull City have parted ways with head coach Leonid Slutsky, six months after appointing him as the English Football League’s first Russian boss.

Slutsky, 46, who replaced Marco Silva at the KCOM Stadium in June, won only four of his 19 Sky Bet Championship games in charge. After Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday, the Tigers are now at 20th place in the Championship.

In spite of getting sacked, the former CSKA Moscow boss could find a way back into football, through Chelsea. According to The Telegraph, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is set to talk with Slutsky over his future. Following the departure of technical director Michael Emenalo last month from Stamford Bridge after 10 years, Abramovich is considering his options and could offer the role to Slutsky. Chelsea, although are yet to fully decide on how to replace Emenalo.

Slutsky and Abramovich are close friends and talk regularly. It is expected Abramovich could offer the ex-Russia manager the position of the technical director, or could also offer a different job behind the scenes.

Slutsky, however, will certainly take his time before deciding whether to remain in England or go back to Russia. Whatever decision he takes, he is sure to have discussions with his Russian compatriot and pal, Abramovich.

The 46-year-old Slutsky arrived in England in January and stayed in one of Abramovich’s Stamford Bridge hotels while he studied English and learned the game. He regularly watched Chelsea’s games last season and was given access to the club’s Cobham training ground.

Having been appointed by Hull, Slutsky signed Ola Aina, Michael Hector and Fikayo Tomori on loan from the Blues. The former CSKA manager is held in very high regards and is one of the very few trusted friends Abramovich takes advice from, on football related topics.

“I have known Mr Abramovich for 12 years because he had many football projects in Russia – a special academy, he funded the national team, he built many artificial pitches, about 300, and we spoke with him about football and development,” Slutsky was quoted in a report by The Telegraph.

“Mr Abramovich has helped me. I live in the Chelsea hotel, they help me with tickets for games, I watched the Chelsea academy, first-team, under-23s and under-18s.

“After matches, I talk to Mr Abramovich and sometimes he asks my opinion on teams or players. We talk as friends; he believes in me and is like my supporter and coach. He’s a good supporter to have, I think the best in the world!” he added.